In many Colorado households with young children, reading at bedtime is a tradition just like participating in library summer reading programs. Bedtime reading is a time to wind down, get under the covers and enjoy a story that will hopefully nudge rambunctious kiddos off to sleep.

Taking the time to read together isn’t just good for the kids, though. It’s also great for the adults or older siblings reading with them. Reading is beneficial to people of all ages, from babies to seniors, and everyone in between. It may seem like a hobby or a way to seek information but reading has a profound impact on our emotional, cognitive, and social health.

Taking the time to read with children positively impacts their learning, literacy and social and emotional growth. As they listen, their imagination is hard at work visualizing the action and making connections between each part of the story. Their brains form pathways rich in problem-solving potential that will help them not only take on challenges in their life, but also perform well in school. Additionally, they are deepening bonds with the people reading with them and developing a positive association with reading that will help them develop lifelong learning habits of their own. Reading during summer vacation even gives students a boost as they start school in the fall because it helps them remember more of what they learned during the prior school year.

The benefits of reading continue in our teen years. Teens who read develop stronger problem-solving skills that lead to higher academic achievement. They gain a better understanding of the increasingly complex world that they are becoming part of. One element of this understanding is in developing stronger empathy that helps them navigate the social landscape they are immersed in. Teens who read often find connections with others who read as well. With the many skills they gain from reading, teens who read often feel more confident, feel ready to take on new and unique challenges, and have a stronger understanding of themselves.

Adults and seniors may be tempted to think that they are done reaping the benefits of reading now that they are grown and out of school, but that isn’t the case. Reading gives the mind time to relax and helps reduce stress and anxiety. It provides mental stimulation that supports cognitive health, improves critical thinking and focus and even helps to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Like kids and teens, adults and seniors also experience social benefits. Reading provides insight into other people’s experiences, helping to build empathy and stronger connections with the surrounding community.

This summer is a perfect time to refresh some brain-healthy reading habits of your own. Every summer, Pikes Peak Library District joins libraries across the country in offering summer reading programs for kids and teens to support reading during summer break. For the 50th anniversary of its annual summer reading program, 2024 Summer Adventure presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado, PPLD is opening its summer reading program to all ages for the first time. Whether you’re participating with your family or going solo, this program will support your healthy reading habits. Registration opens on Fri., May 31 at all Library locations. Learn more at ppld.org/summer

Carla Bamesberger is the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Pikes Peak Library District. Besides reading and touting all that the District offers, this Coloradoan enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, biking, crafting, and gaming. She can be reached at cbamesberger@ppld.org or by calling (719) 531-6333, x6259